Lure It In

Nano-LureFish finders will let you locate the fish but you still need to lure ‘em in. The Nano Lure could help you catch the big ones. This does away with casting and reeling and replaces live bait with a robotic fish. It features an integrated sensor that activates once it is in the water, and it automatically cycles between slow, medium and fast swimming to mimic actual fish.

The Nano Lure was developed by Raul Chacon, a Dallas-based designer, and he has cast a line on Kickstarter and is looking to lure in investors for his unique fishing concept. Video after the jump

Cast Off

Simple-Fly-FishingFishing is generally easy to pick up, but fly fishing can take some work to master. Patagonia looks to make it a little more accessible with its Patagonia Simple Fly Fishing Kit, which includes tenkara rod, the book “Simple Fly Fishing: Techniques for Tenkara and Rod & Reel,” which offers basic fly fishing techniques, a line, leader, and a box of one-dozen already-tied flies. About the only thing missing is land with a river that runs through it.

Patagonia Simple Fly Fishing Kit

Fishing Sonar

FishHunterWhile many people will simply head to the old fishing hole and cast off and hope for the best, hardcore anglers might take notice of the FishHunter Sonar, which is powered by military-grade sonar technology that can truly find the spot where they’re biting. This device floats o the water and pairs with a smartphone app that allows users to see if school (as in school of fish) is in session.

FishHunter Sonar Official Website

Holiday Gift Guide: Cast With a Signature Rod

Todd-Faircloth-Signature-RoCastAway Graphite Rods has introduced two new Todd Faircloth Signature rods for 2014, and tehse join the company’s popular Skeleton graphite rod family. These are lightweight, yet extremely powerful and are built on proprietary multi-modulus blanks.

The new Model SKX-TFSC (Big T Shallow Cranker) is a 7-foot, 2-inch rod rated for 8- to 25-lb. test line and ½- to 1-oz. lures. Faircloth has enjoyed great success with this rod working shallow running lures like lipless and square billed crankbaits. It includes a medium-fast tip that allows for longer casts to cover more water, while Faircloth has found that the rod’s medium-heavy action allows for solid hooksets, even at the end of a long cast.

The Model SKX-TFTT (Big T’s Triple Threat) is a 7-foot, 30-inch stick rated for 12- to 25-lb. test line and ¼- to 1-oz. lures. Faircloth uses this rod for many purposes, but finds it especially ideal for froggin’, pitchin’ and draggin’ (hence the “Triple Threat” moniker). This rod’s heavy action and deep, parabolic bend are engineered to pull even the biggest, meanest bass out of heavy slop.

Each is made with the finest components, and as with all CastAway Rods, the cork and reel seats are drilled to exact specification. This ensures a perfect fit without excess glue, tape or shims. These will both be able to cast for my years to come.

CastAway Graphite Rods Official Website

Family Friendly Predator

Predator-13With a name like Predator we think of some terrible beast – or worse that movie alien with the dreadlocks. But the Old Town Canoe offers the Predator Family of canoes that are designed for avid anglers and those looking to hit the water in comfort.

The Predator 13 offers an element seating system that provides comfort and stability, while there are six removable plates, rod tip holders and rod retainer bungees to ensure nothing gets lost in the water. There is a slip resistant Exo-Ridge Deck, along with side-mount paddle storage and dual tackle holders. If the fish won’t come to you this is the canoe that will certainly get you to the fish.

Old Town Canoe Predator 13 Official Website

Four Use Kombo

KomboFishing involves more than just a rod. Once you catch the fish the real work begins. The Kombo Tool can help as it is four tools in one. It features a bonker, a filet knife, a scooper and a sharpener. It is made from high grade plastic so it won’t sink to the depths of a lake or ocean if dropped in the water, while the stainless steel filet knife can endure some tough love.

Kombo Tool Official Website

Manley Rod

Manley-RodFishing rods are a lot like shoes – one size does not fit all. But Terry L. Manely thought otherwise, and he’s created the Multifunctional Rod Foundation (MRF) System – a.k.a. the “Adjust-A-Butt” – which allows users to adjust the length of the fishing rod on the fly. The rods are aimed at all anglers and the company has more than 60 different models that can even help catch the big one. Video after the jump

Wiley X Supports PVA

PVAKudos to our friends at Wiley X, will announced that it will continue to support the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and has renewed sponsorship of three key programs for 2013 – the PVA National Trapshoot Circuit, the PVA National Bass Tour and the PVA Hand Cycling Racing Team. Wiley X will be providing its high performance protective eyewear as featured prizes throughout the 2013 season of PVA shooting, fishing and hand cycling events.

“Wiley X is proud to be associated with PVA and honored to support its shooting, fishing and hand cycling competitions,” said Wiley X co-owner Myles Freeman, Jr. “These events celebrate America’s outdoor heritage and encourage men and women to excel – regardless of what physical challenges they may face. We applaud the efforts of these athletes and the many staff and volunteers around the country who make these events possible.”

The new WX Valor Model #CHVAL06 – a member of Wiley X’s battle-proven Changeable Series – will be worn by staff, directors and volunteers at the PVA National Trapshoot Circuit, while Wiley X protective eyewear will be included in prize packages for the winners.

Wiley X will again support the PVA National Bass Tour with its new Climate Control Series WX Echo Model #CCECH04, combining Gloss Black frames with Polarized Emerald Mirror lenses. These state-of-the-art fishing glasses will be provided to staff, directors and volunteers, as well as winning anglers. Wiley X will also play an important role in PVA’s hand cycling events, where these “road warriors” race wheel-to-wheel just inches from the pavement.

Wiley X Official Website
Paralyzed Veterans of America “Get Sports” Official Website

Spinning Reel Going Round

Cast off with the ForTiTude Fishing titanium spinning reel and you can forget about rusting or pitting, even in salt water. This reel features a solid titanium exterior along with solid titanium parts, making it 30 percent lighter than aluminum, which might not sound like much but after a long day of casting perhaps you’ll see it is worth the extra cost. But this reel should be durable for endless years of fishing as well, and there is even a lifetime warrant with free replacement of all parts. So cast away!

ForTiTude Fishing Official Website

SMARTROD can Reel Them In

We know the saying, “give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, but give a man a fishing pole and he’ll never go hungry again.” To that we’ll add, “give the man the POLETAP SMARTROD and won’t need to waste time sitting with a fishing pole.” The concept here is actually for the angler who wants to use several lines and doesn’t want to worry about an unmanned rod hooking the big one.

The rod, which is being developed by Kansas-based inventor Ed Hope through an Indiegogo fund-raising project, utilizes an accelerometer with a three sensitivity sensors that can determine if it has a bite. The rod features an alarm – including an LED one to avoid annoying those in proximity or scarring away the fish – to alert users that it has hooked a fish. There are low tech ways, such as bell, that do the same thing but this system could be ideal for those looking to land a few fish on multiple lines. Almost doesn’t seem sporting.

Video after the jump

River Crampon so the River Doesn’t Run Over You

When fishing in a fast moving river you don’t want the river to send you down stream. The Patagonia River Carmpons are worn over wading boots and offer traction in fast moving river currents. The aluminum treads are reportedly sharp enough to cut through river slime while still being able to dig into the riverbed. These are removable and fast-drying as well, but best of all ensure that you don’t end up being swept away by a river that runs through it.

Patagonia River Crampons Official Site

Orvis Lets you Cast Off Indoors

As a musician or performer the way to Carnegie Hall is practice. The same thing could be said is needed if you’re looking to properly cast when fly fishing. Developing an effective cast requires skill. You can practice it even when water isn’t around, and now the Orvis Practicaster makes it easier to work on the casting. At just four feet, the two piece rod can even be used indoors.

It makes for an excellent learning tool helps improve casting stroke and develop technique for loops.Are you ready for the casting call?

Orvis Practicaster Official Website

Smart(phone) Way to Fish

With a smartphone you can easily search for a seafood restaurant, or you could use it to go directly to the source. While we’ve seen gizmos such as the Magellan eXplorist line of GPS devices that now include fishing hotspots map, once there you still need to see if the fish are actually there to bite.

For that the Deeper FishFinder might just do the trick. It is a sonar-enable waterproof ball that won’t sink but it will sync with the smartphone. The Bluetooth-enabled device can scan the water and send location information directly to an iOS or Android phone or tablet. It shows the approximate location of fish with a depth chart as well so you can cast off in just the right spot. Continue reading Smart(phone) Way to Fish